Freedom House: Russia becomes most anti-democratic country

Freedom House has called Russia the most anti-democratic country. The reasons for this can be considered propaganda, false media, and escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

The level of democratic freedoms in Russia is catastrophic, experts say. In the last ten years, Russia has become the most anti-democratic power in Eurasia, Joinfo.ua reports with reference to the report by Freedom House.

Experts believe that the annexation of Crimea conducted by the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the support for the militants in the east of Ukraine have caused a "cascade effect" of suppression of democracy in Russia and prompted the similar moves in the neighboring countries.

The report's author, Sylvana Habdank-Kolaczkowska, believes that last year, devastating impact of Russia has increased exponentially because of the escalation of Russia's aggression out and new forms of this aggression.

The consequences of the suppression of freedom and democracy were felt both in Russia and abroad. She mentions the persecution of Internet media, opposition leaders and civil society groups. Also experts called the "birth of a new type of Russian propaganda" when the state-controlled media "spread disinformation, focused mainly on the countries that have large Russian-speaking minorities" as dubious achievements of the Russian government.

By the way, this year Russia has become a leader among the countries with the highest level of murders.